Step 3: Robot: Build

First, disconnect batteries. Next, carefully unplug & remove the controller from the wheelchair. Next, make sure to remove all wires. (Note: ONLY cut what is necessary, this controller can be sold on line to help fund the project). Next, remove the seat; it should just slide off the seat pole along with the seat adjustment mechanism. Next, (If applicable) unbolt and remove the housing covering the frame & batteries. You should be down to just the wheel chair frame. Next, there should be 2 12 volt batteries with the wiring harness attached. (NOTE: Before making any connections or cutting any wires disconnect the battery wires). Next, use the existing wiring harness to make the wiring connections to the motor speed controller and the wheelchair. (NOTE: wire the controller according to the manufactures instructions). Next, before making the wiring connect to the r/c receiver, consult the manufactures instructions on the binding process for the r/c radio transmitter and the receiver. Next, after you have bound the r/c transmitter and receiver attach the wiring connection from the receiver to the speed controller. Next, if the receiver came with a plug type end on the input wiring. This plug will have to be cut off and the wires stripped in order to connect them to the controller. (NOTE: wire the controller according to the manufactures instructions). Next, reconnect your battery wires, turn on the r/c transmitter, and then begin the setup & testing of your new wheelchair robot.

Step 5: Wheelbarrow Build

First, remove the barrow from the handles and set the barrow aside. Next, measure, cut and drill the cross member that will support the handles, barrow and kingpin. Next, cut and drill steel plate to attach the pipe floor flange to. Next drill the wheel chair frame and bolt the steel plate and the pipe floor flange to the frame. Next, measure and cut pipe for kingpin. Next, screw pipe into floor flange check height with wheelbarrow frame. Next, install the wheelbarrow section of pip over the wheelchair section of pipe. Next, make any necessary adjustments and tack weld the wheelbarrow section of piping to the cross member.

Step 6: Pneumatic Lift Assembly: Material & Tools

Material: 1- pneumatic cylinder, and the same cash of materials from the wheelbarrow steps. Tools: Use the same cash of tools as in the wheel barrow steps.

Step 7: Pneumatic Lift Assembly: Build

First, measure cylinder closed and at full stroke. Next, measure the opening between wheelbarrow handles and below cross support member. Next, lay out cut and drill locations on the material. Next, cut and drill the material. Next, assemble the modified material as shown. Next, check fit and test movement. Next, fit and tack weld the lift mechanism reinforcements material in place as shown. Next, check fit and test movement. Next, check the fit of the pneumatic lift assembly in the wheelbarrow frame. Make sure that the lift assembly is centered and level. Next, on the wheelbarrow frame, locate and drill the frame to receive the front pivot point of the lift assembly. Next, slide the all thread through the frame and lift assembly and bolt in place. Next, cut off the excess all thread. Next, support lift assembly and level. Next, Measure, cut and drill steel angle to attach to the lower section of wheelbarrow frame. Next, bolt the angle steel in place. Next, measure, cut and tack weld the front rests for the lift assembly. Next, measure, cut, drill and bolt on the front barrow hinge support. Next, measure, cut and tack weld the front barrow hinge. Next, measure, cut, tack weld the front frame hinge bracket. Next, measure, cut and drill the inner pin for the front hinge. Next, check the fit-up and movement. Next, remove barrow. Measure, cut, drill and bolt on the steel rear barrow support. Next, reinstall the barrow and hinge pin. Next, measure, cut, check fit-up, install and tack weld the rear barrow pivot arms to the rear barrow support. Next, Check movement and make any necessary changes.

Step 9: Air System: Build

First, get paintball tank filled. Next, remove the tank valve from one of the flex hoses. Next, attach the remaining flex hose to the tank using the tank valve. Next, attach the other end of the flex hose to the inlet port of the regulator (NOTE: see manufactures instructions for proper installation instructions). Next, Attach braided steel hose from outlet of regulator to inlet port of toggle switch valve (NOTE: see manufactures instructions for proper installation instructions). Next, connect remaining flex hose from outlet port of the toggle switch valve to the push port of the pneumatic cylinder valve (NOTE: see manufactures instructions for proper installation instructions). Next, set up the system (regulator) using the instructions provided by the manufacture (Be Very Careful Here!). Next, These components will be installed on the frame of the wheel barrow as shown about using Velcro except for the toggle switch valve and the servo, they must be screwed to the board (NOTE: your configuration may be slightly different). Next, cut the long length of the coat hanger, measure, bend and install to connect the servo and toggle switch valve as shown. Next, connect wiring to battery and test the servo, r/c connection & toggle switch valve movement. (NOTE: perform this test with the CO2 OFF!).

Step 10: Controls Mount: Material & Tools

Step 11: Controls Mount: Build

First, lay the plywood on the wheelbarrow handles. Next, mark the inside and outside of the handles with the sharpie. Next, use the circular saw the cut the outside lines only as shown. Next, lay the plywood on the handles and screw in the self tapping screws. Next, remove the screws and turn the plywood over. Next, install the air system as outlined in the Air System steps. Next screw the board to the handles.

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35 Discussions

Your the man! I have been looking for a week or so for something like this. I have plans for a trail version of your project. I like mining/prospecting and I like the woods. The one thing I don't like is listening to is motors in the woods. Similar to a Power Wagon, this will be a great drive system for my Electric Mule Cart for packing my gear into the woods. Sweet..

Great idea. I was thinking about a similar power base to serve as a RC tractor that could use a variation of a fifth wheel coupler to attach to implements like a lawn mower, (reel, electric, or gas) snow blower, garden cart, leaf rake, sprayer, garden cultivator, etc. lots of potential uses! Thanks

Really nice build !! I agree with your design. Having the dump backwards allows for a FULL & COMPLETE dump...does it not? The dump will be a wider, less specific dump but how often does anyone need a very precise dump? Maybe you can update your answer above if you have tried it and let us know exactly what happened. My only other observation about the design is "Why pneumatic"? Seems like high speed electric would reduce the time and cost of the build. Using deep cycle batteries should overcome the electrical energy loss. Anyway, I was just wondering if you had considered this lift method and dismissed it for a reason? Again, "Thank You" for a great idea and good instructions.

To the questions on the bucket/barrow. You can't tell from the pictures but the angle of the "scooped" end is such that it is almost parallel with the ground when the cylinder is in the vertical position. To design the cylinder to extend much past the vertical position would not be good on the cylinder. Also, the "flat" side does have a slight angle to it so material will slide out. As for volume, it's the same either way. In using a wheelbarrow you must tilt the wheelbarrow off the leg assemblies to roll it where you want to go. Here the bucket stays level the entire time until you dump it. Video to come when work allows me time to get back to the project. I already have several modifications I want to make to the prototype. Updates and video coming. Thanks for looking!

You know what would be a really spectacular next step? Give it some AI control, and operate it by voice commands or possibly use a Kinect-like sensor for arm gestures. Since a wheelbarrow-robot has a somewhat narrow functionality it wouldn't need a very large command vocabulary: "Follow", "Stop", and "Dump" should suffice. A command for returning to its charger could also be handy.